KENYA – Kenya’s fresh produce industry has been urged to prioritize compliance with market standards to unlock broader market access, both domestically and abroad.

Speaking at the recently concluded Kenya Fresh Produce Conference and Expo, Dr. Andrew Edewa, Director of Standards and SPS Measures at TradeMark Africa, emphasized that standards are key to facilitating trade.

“Market compliance is necessary for trade—you have to comply with the importing country’s requirements,” Dr. Edewa stated during the event, which took place from October 2nd to 3rd at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.

He stressed that understanding and adhering to standards is vital to securing market access for Kenyan produce.

The event, organized by the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC-Kenya), a member-based association advocating for favorable business environments and policies for the horticultural industry, centered around the theme Enhancing Market Access for Kenya’s Fresh Produce.

Various strategies for expanding market access were discussed, ranging from regulatory frameworks and food safety standards to value addition and agro-processing.

Okisegere Ojepat, CEO of FPC-Kenya, highlighted that improving market compliance remains a challenge for Kenyan exporters. “Meeting international standards is a critical issue, but it also presents an opportunity for growth,” Ojepat said.

He noted that enhanced training and support for farmers could improve compliance and boost export volumes, particularly in the vegetable sector, which has seen a decline in recent years.

One of the notable developments discussed at the conference was the introduction of the 2024 Horticultural Crops Authority Bill, which proposes tighter regulations for all players in the horticulture sector, including growers, processors, and exporters.

The bill, spearheaded by MP Sabina Chege, aims to promote compliance with food safety standards and enhance the sector’s economic contributions.

The proposed legislation mandates that all horticulture dealers obtain licenses from the newly formed Horticultural Crops Authority or from county governments. Strict penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to KES 1 million (USD 7752) or imprisonment of up to three years.

Another significant aspect of the bill is the introduction of a levy on horticultural exports and imports, with export levies set at 1.5%.

These funds aim to support the regulatory authority’s operations while encouraging quality improvements across the sector.

Eric Kimunguyi, CEO of AAK Grow, weighed in on the challenges of meeting maximum residue limits (MRLs) for food safety.

“A harmonized system of MRL standards and protocols would greatly enhance Kenya’s market access and ensure compliance with international safety standards,” he suggested

The two-day conference concluded with a commitment to break down all the recommendations into quarterly assessments.

Ojepat confirmed that updates on the progress would be posted on the FPC-Kenya website ahead of the next conference, scheduled for September 3rd-5th, 2025.

The event, which featured exhibitors such as Bureau Veritas, KEPHIS, and WYLDE International among others, highlighted the critical role of compliance in ensuring Kenya’s fresh produce thrives in international markets.

As Dr. Edewa aptly put it, “The language of trade is standards. To compete globally, compliance isn’t optional—it’s a necessity.”

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.